Last Updated: Saturday, November 14, 2015

Severe weather in Chennai, India kills 55

Severe weather in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu has claimed lives of atleast 55 people, including 27 in Cuddalore district alone.

According to regional meteorological centre, a low pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal caused the downpour in the area.

Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam in Chennai received 15 cm and 11.7cm of rainfall respectively on Thursday night. Kancheepuram recorded 34 cm rainfall.

The Chennai Corporation has moved 1,300 people from Tiruvottiyur, Kolathur and other localities in north Chennai to nearby schools, The Times of India reported.

Schools and colleges in Chennai and Kancheepuram, Vellore and Thiruvallur districts were shut on Friday following the forecasts of more rains. Examinations of the Madras University scheduled for Friday were also cancelled, Hindustan Times mentioned.

Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has announced Rs 4 lakh each to the victim's family as assistance from the Disaster Relief Fund.

The meteorological department has forecast more rains in Chennai till the weekend. A new trough of low pressure in the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring rain in some coastal areas.